Moderate 5.4 Magnitude Earthquake Recorded in Andaman Sea
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Andaman Sea early this morning, as confirmed by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at 5:23 AM IST, centered 200 km east of Port Blair at a shallow depth of 10 km. No immediate damage or injuries were reported.
Key Earthquake Details
- Magnitude: 5.4 (moderate)
- Depth: 10 km (shallow, increasing perceptibility)
- Epicenter: Latitude 11.2°N, Longitude 93.5°E
- Time: 5:23 AM IST
Authorities confirmed no tsunami threat, as the quake’s magnitude was below the threshold for generating destructive waves.
Why the Andaman Sea Is Seismically Active
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit near the Indian and Burmese tectonic plate boundary, making them prone to frequent quakes. This region was notably affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (9.1 magnitude), which triggered a devastating tsunami.
Seismologists from the NCS clarified that today’s tremor is part of routine seismic activity and does not signal a larger impending event.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
Residents in Port Blair reported mild shaking lasting a few seconds, with some sharing experiences on social media.
Disaster management officials urged preparedness, recommending:
– Identifying safe spots (under sturdy furniture, away from glass).
– Maintaining emergency kits (water, food, first aid).
– Following alerts from IMD and NCS.
Expert Insight: Shallow Quakes Amplify Impact
Dr. Rajeev Kumar, a senior seismologist at NCS, noted:
“A 5.4 quake is moderate, but shallow depths can intensify ground shaking. The Andaman Sea’s subduction zone demands vigilance.”
Government Response and Readiness
The Andaman and Nicobar administration has emergency teams on standby. Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted:
“Situation under control. No tsunami alert. Stay calm and monitor official updates.”
Conclusion: Vigilance in a High-Risk Zone
While this quake caused no harm, it highlights the need for earthquake preparedness in vulnerable regions. Regular drills and resilient infrastructure are critical.
For real-time updates, follow the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
—NextMinuteNews: Delivering accurate, breaking news worldwide.
